April 1, 2014
Two women, both cancer survivors, are using 3D printing to manufacture small devices to help other survivors cope with some of life's simple tasks.
After battling breast cancer and then traveling down the same road again with her daughter one year later, Janet Scaturro knows what it means to truly reply on all the strength you have spiritually, mentally and physically.
Being left with neuropathy in her right hand, Janet has a new difficulty opening such things as water bottles. She chose to look at the positive side of her and her daughter Luann's situations: Janet and her husband invented Capeze, an opener for water bottles.
Capeze is a device that slides on the cap of a water bottle and with a simple twist removes the cap with less required force. It can also pull up the tab on a soda can with ease. Capeze was created to assist everyone who has difficulty opening such products, as well as for those who wish to support anyone on their journey from patient to survivor.
"No one likes to ask for help. Yet at our weakest moments we tap into veins of creativity, resourcefulness, and determination." writes Luann. "I've never been happier that my parents had each other than when my mom had cancer. My dad helped her in every way. He helped her manage her doctor's appointments, prescriptions, diet, emotions etc. They made a great team.
"So many times we wondered what happens to people who have to do it alone. How do they get by? How do they manage the simple things like opening water bottles? My dad opened my mom's water bottles because she could not. Neuropathy and limited strength were side effects of her treatment."
Janet and Luann have teamed up with Shapeways to manufacture Capeze using 3D printing. It is light weight and colorful, with engraved inspirational messages. Each Capeze costs $10, and it comes in pink, blue or white. Meanwhile Capeze donates to cancer research every time a Capeze is sold to help researchers find new therapies and one day a cure.
You can see their project and read Capeze's story here. If you would like to help, you can find your purchase option here on Amazon. Capeze can open your water bottles or your loved one's water bottles.
Posted in 3D Printing Applications
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What are the measurements?
Mr. Nutters wrote at 3/20/2019 9:35:20 PM:
Hi legit just nutted :)
Brenda wrote at 3/20/2019 9:33:19 PM:
This story of triumph inspired me. You both are the loves of my life, and i hope to meet you one day. I shared this incredible story with my grand babies, and they said it was just a water bottle opener, and no triumph was evident. It seems that the younger generations don't appreciate your accomplishments. Just know that I, Brenda, do recognize your genius. Also, your hands look nice, can i lick your feet?
Carylp@rochester.rr.com wrote at 6/14/2016 8:32:09 PM:
How do I order one of these
bobby wagner wrote at 4/1/2016 11:47:09 PM:
I like turles
Front Desk wrote at 4/2/2014 4:29:19 PM:
I have two Capeze Openers, one at home the other at work. The purchase price includes a contribution to cancer research. Good cause good product, what a deal.
AMnerd wrote at 4/2/2014 3:40:03 PM:
Great product and a great story! Now make a plastic injection mold for it and drop the price to 1€/piece and you have a success on your hands. Oh and it might clash with this patent: https://www.google.com/patents/US8596167?dq=bottle+cap+assist&hl=en&sa=X&ei=-hI8U7bvJOLo7Abf34GgAw&ved=0CGEQ6AEwBg
Ray wrote at 4/2/2014 12:02:32 AM:
Great design but why make it a self-extracting archive? there's no way I'm going to trust it
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